Despite this paper's innuendo, one needn't be a shrill political hack to question senator Hagel's finances. It's clear at a glance that the members of the current U.S. Congress fail to represent their constituents in many ways. They're whiter, taller, older, maler and richer on average than the people who elect them. None of these differences should be disqualifying. But when a public servant gets rich on the job, everyone should take interest.

Let's confirm senator Hagel for secretary of Defense; he's eminently qualified. But let's first shed daylight on his wealth and that of all of his colleagues.